![]() In my short military career, I never attempted a road march, so I had no idea how to pace myself, when I should run or walk, or how fast I needed to go. On the third day, I had to face the most intimidating evolution by far - the road march with a 35 pounds ruck. After the gas mask test, all participants headed to the Anderson Field House pool and completed the 100 meter swim and de-robe evolution. The test involved an 11x10 sprint, flexed-arm hang and a 1,000-meter run.ĭay 2 started with a written test on first-aid knowledge, then we moved into a “go or no-go” test of donning a gas mask within nine seconds. The GAFPB program was comprised of a series of evolutions spread over four days that tested a participant’s physical and mental stamina.ĭay 1 entailed the initial fitness test that would determine what level I could qualify for. When my supervisor brought the opportunity to earn the badge to me, I was excited because it gave me a chance to challenge myself physically and mentally. 4, 2016 for approximately 50 participants. Eustis hosted a qualification program Nov. The badge is a symbol that the recipient met standards set forth by the German military in physical fitness, marksmanship and first aid designated through bronze, silver and gold achievement levels.įt. This test was just one of several at Fort Eustis, Virginia, that was required for Airmen, Soldiers and Sailors to earn the German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge. As I pushed off the wall, all those negative feelings went away. I jumped in and the proctor yelled, “Graders ready? Participants ready? GO!” “What have I gotten myself into?” I thought. I also had physical training gear on underneath, because not only was I supposed to swim 100 meters, I also had to shed my battle uniform in the deep end of the pool while treading water. Navy Sailors waiting and watching as fellow participants struggled to complete the swim, a feeling of anxiousness started to overwhelm me. Swimming has never been a problem for me in the past, but this time was different.Īs I walked out of the locker room and saw the line of U.S.
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